Virginia Code 2.2-3900: Short title; declaration of policy
A. This chapter shall be known and cited as the Virginia Human Rights Act.
Terms Used In Virginia Code 2.2-3900
- gender identity: when used in reference to discrimination in the Code and acts of the General Assembly, means the gender-related identity, appearance, or other gender-related characteristics of an individual, with or without regard to the individual's designated sex at birth. See Virginia Code 2.2-3901
- Military status: means status as (i) a member of the uniformed forces, as defined in Virginia Code 2.2-3901
- real estate: includes lands, tenements and hereditaments, and all rights and appurtenances thereto and interests therein, other than a chattel interest. See Virginia Code 1-219
- Religion: includes any outward expression of religious faith, including adherence to religious dressing and grooming practices and the carrying or display of religious items or symbols. See Virginia Code 2.2-3901
- sexual orientation: when used in reference to discrimination in the Code and acts of the General Assembly, means a person's actual or perceived heterosexuality, bisexuality, or homosexuality. See Virginia Code 2.2-3901
B. It is the policy of the Commonwealth to:
1. Safeguard all individuals within the Commonwealth from unlawful discrimination because of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, or disability in places of public accommodation, including educational institutions and in real estate transactions;
2. Safeguard all individuals within the Commonwealth from unlawful discrimination in employment because of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or military status;
3. Preserve the public safety, health, and general welfare;
4. Further the interests, rights, and privileges of individuals within the Commonwealth; and
5. Protect citizens of the Commonwealth against unfounded charges of unlawful discrimination.
1987, c. 581, §§ 2.1-714, 2.1-715; 1997, c. 404; 2001, c. 844; 2020, cc. 1137, 1140; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 477, 478; 2024, cc. 266, 334.